Tragedy in Hartselle: Teen Killed in Police Pursuit Crash
HARTSELLE, Ala. — A fatal crash late Saturday night has left a North Alabama community reeling after a police pursuit ended in tragedy at the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 36.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Archie Brandon Hale, 40, of Moulton. Hale was reportedly being pursued by the Priceville Police Department for a traffic violation when his vehicle collided with a car carrying four teenagers.
One teen was killed in the crash, while the other three remain hospitalized with serious injuries. Hale is currently in custody at the hospital.
Court records show Hale has a prior criminal history, including a 2024 arrest. The booking photo circulating in connection with this story is from that earlier case.
Legal Questions Raised
The pursuit has sparked new debate over municipal police authority on Alabama’s interstates. Under Alabama Code §32-5A-171, while municipal police officers may enforce speed limits within city limits, the statute explicitly states:
“Municipal police officers shall not enforce this section on any interstate highway.”
This means city officers are barred from initiating speed enforcement on interstates — a responsibility reserved primarily for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and state troopers.
The fact that Saturday’s chase moved onto I-65 before ending in Hartselle has drawn fresh scrutiny over Priceville Police Department’s patrol practices and whether the pursuit complied with state law.
Community Impact
As investigators continue piecing together the circumstances of the crash, questions of accountability and enforcement jurisdiction loom large. Meanwhile, a family is left mourning the devastating loss of a teenager, while three others fight to recover.
The case remains under investigation, and Hale faces potential charges related to the deadly collision.
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